Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to return to the UK with their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, for the first time in four years, following a family olive branch that changed Harry's mind about the safety of the trip.
Historic Family Visit Planned for July 2026
Harry will travel to the UK in July 2026 for a series of events marking One Year to Go before the Invictus Games are held in Birmingham in 2027. Unlike previous solo visits, this time he will be accompanied by his wife Meghan, 44, and their two children, Prince Archie, seven, and Princess Lilibet, five. The last time the children were in the UK was in 2022 for the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
This marks a significant shift from Harry's previous stance. He had stated he "can't see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK," citing security concerns.
Security Concerns and Bespoke Arrangements
Harry has been engaged in a long-running legal battle over his security status in the UK. After stepping back as a working royal, his police protection was removed, which he argued was unfair given that the risk he faces has not changed. The Home Office now provides a "bespoke" security arrangement, offering police protection on a case-by-case basis, requiring three months' notice for each visit. If declined, Harry must rely on a private security team, which he says lacks proper intelligence and jurisdiction.
In December 2025, Harry was granted a new risk assessment, expected to take "a matter of weeks." It has now been completed, but Harry has not been informed of the outcome, according to sources.
Royal Residence Offer Accepted
As previously reported by The Mirror, Harry has accepted an offer to stay at a royal residence, understood to be Buckingham Palace, for the family trip. This is a change from his previous solo visits, where he refused such offers. A source said: "He has grown increasingly frustrated with the whole process and has had to alter his standpoint. From initially being told a decision would be made within a matter of weeks, it is now more than six months on. He was determined to travel back to the UK with his family around the Invictus event, so he has finally made the decision to accept the offer of staying at a royal residence which he believes will be sufficient for this trip."
Reconciliation Efforts Within the Royal Family
Royal historian and author Andrew Lownie told The Mirror that bridges have been built between King Charles and Harry. "I think that's genuine reconciliation," he said. "I think there's a genuine personal desire to see your grandchildren and no one wants to fall out with their children. So I think that's a genuine human element there. I think also the King thinks that having an estranged royal is not good for the optics."
Lownie added that Charles is also working on reconciling Harry with his brother, Prince William. "He's then got to deal with William, who clearly is adamant that they have nothing to do with Harry. It's a matter of banging some heads together and saying, 'Look, we're going to be a bit more grown up about this.' So this is him exerting his authority a bit more. But I think there's just a huge human desire to reconcile."
Royal commentator Afua Acheampong-Hagan believes the trip signals a major change in family relations. "There is a royal invitation, and that is good news. Again, on a purely human level, that can only be a wonderful thing. I think it's definitely a big old olive branch being extended there."
However, she cautioned that a full reconciliation between Harry and William may take time. "I don't think they are there yet. I do think it will happen, but I don't think it will happen yet. I think it's baby steps. But they might shock us, they might surprise us. I don't think we will see William and Harry hand in hand skipping down the Mall, but you never know. I genuinely think not yet, but it will happen."
